There are not many more superlatives to heap upon the legendary
Keith Jarrett Trio, now celebrating its 30th year, except to say
that the group represents the pinnacle of modern jazz trios. Sure, Jarrett’s
attention to detail and demand for perfection makes the occasional audience
wince when they’re reprimanded for their concert-going behavior, but when everything
clicks as it does on Somewhere, the
result is magical and all is forgiven. Recorded in July 2009 at the KKL Luzern
Concert Hall in Switzerland, Somewhere
captures the pianist, bassist Gary Peacock and drummer Jack DeJohnette at the
height of their talents. The live gig weaves rapturous passages (the
improvisation entitled “Deep Space” shape shifts into an electrifying version
of Miles Davis’ “Solar”) with straight-ahead swing (“Between The Devil and the
Deep Blue Sea.”) Indeed, the title track, coupled with Leonard Bernstein’s
“Tonight,” gives the concert its center with a tender reading that bypasses
sentimentality and manages to open a deeper emotional vein. Not since the
exuberant 6-disc collection, Keith
Jarrett At the Blue Note/The Complete Recordings (1994, ECM) has there been
a collection of affecting and relatable performances from the KJ trio. Though
some may quibble over which gigs and recordings best exemplify the Trio, Somewhere is a recording that gets back
to basics, just challenging enough to keep hardcore Jarrett fans happy yet
honest enough to wear its heart on its sleeve. (6 tracks; 65 minutes)